Despite reaching the FA Cup semi-final, Hughton's side managed just two league wins since the start of the year as they finished 17th, only two points clear of Cardiff in the final relegation place.

Hughton was Brighton manager for four-and-a-half years

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph in reaction to Hughton's dismissal, Townsend said the drive for more minority ethnic (BAME) coaches to be given opportunities was "now at worse than square one".

On Wednesday, Kick It Out moved to draw a line under the row.

A statement read: "Kick It Out have unreservedly apologised to Brighton & Hove Albion FC, its chairman Tony Bloom, and the club's board of directors and staff for any inference in comments made in an interview in the Daily Telegraph by Troy Townsend, the organisation's head of development, that the club's dismissal of Chris Hughton as its first-team manager on Monday was in any way linked to his ethnicity - and also for the impact the comments have had on the club's reputation and the reputation of its senior officials.

"Kick It Out and Troy Townsend fully accept that through its current employment of BAME coaches at senior levels, and the club's long term engagement with, and support for Kick It Out's various campaigns and events, Brighton & Hove Albion FC has fully demonstrated its commitment to eradicating discrimination of all types, and consistently provided opportunities for BAME coaches.